Tout Puissant Mazembe

The veil is lifted in Congolese national team. After several days of reflection during which he tested three different captains (Patou EBUNGA SIMBI, Robert KIDIABA and Eric NKULUKUTA) Santos MUNTUBILE finally adopted a name to control the group of Leopards in the final phase of CHAN. This is Robert KIDIABA.

Regularly wearing the club armband, in the absence of Trésor MPUTU, the TPM goalkeeper Robert KIDIABA has become the official holder in the absence of playmaker, who is not among the 23 who will play the CHAN. The information was confirmed by the very concerned person on Monday night: this choice was made in agreement with the coach and all the players on the spot in Polokwane. The goalkeeper of the TPM was “acclaimed for his seniority, discipline and experience" said a source close to the technical staff of the Leopards.

Remember that he is with Joël KIMWAKI, Patou EBUNGA SIMBI and Eric NKULUKUTA four of the seniors who won the first edition of CHAN 2009 in Ivory Coast.

KIDIABA expects the support of all his teammates

"I'd say it's a beautiful sign of confidence by the coach and my teammates. This choice reflects the excellent relations between all the Leopards before the start of the competition," said Robert KIDIABA, joined on telephone from his hotel room in Polokwane."But we must not stop there. The armband has never been my concern; I am in the national team to defend my country. Now that I 'm officially captain, it will not change my qualities but push me to work hard. We must continue to be ourselves, to move forward, and look for the collective performance ... The armband is a great responsibility that I have throughout the competition. I rely on the support of all the players and the Congolese people to pass first in the first round and then aim for the top...” Robert said.